The spirit of God in presignifying the death of Christ, adopted
that plan, according to which the whole knowledge of those early
ages was propagated through the world. Under the veil of mysterious
allusion, all wisdom was then concealed. From the sensible world
images were everywhere borrowed to describe things unseen. More was
understood to be meant than was openly exprest. By enigmatical rites
the priests communicated his doctrines; by parables and allegories
the philosopher instructed his disciples; even the legislator, by
figurative sayings, commanded the reverence of the people. Agreeably
to this prevailing mode of instruction, the whole dispensation of the
Old Testament was so conducted as to be the shadow and figure of
a spiritual system. Every remarkable event, every distinguished
personage, under the law, is interpreted in the New Testament, as
bearing reference to the hour of which we treat. If Isaac was laid
upon the altar as an innocent victim; if David was driven from his
throne by the wicked, and restored by the hand of God; if the brazen
serpent was lifted up to heal the people; if the rock was smitten by
Moses, to furnish drink in the wilderness; all were types of Christ
and alluded to His death.
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